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Immunochemical structure of hepatitis B e antigen in the serum
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|June 1, 1983
Summary
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is linked to IgG in infected individuals. A 15,500 MW polypeptide (P15.5) from HBeAg and HBV shares amino acid similarities and binds to antibodies against Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg).
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is a component of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleocapsid.
- HBeAg is found associated with plasma proteins, particularly IgG, in the serum of HBV-infected individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a polypeptide (P15.5) derived from HBeAg and HBV nucleocapsid.
- To investigate the relationship between P15.5 and Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Purification and biochemical analysis of P15.5 from serum and HBV.
- Amino acid sequencing of P15.5 and comparison with the HBV nucleopeptide gene sequence.
- Immunological assays using monoclonal antibodies against HBcAg and human IgG fractions.
Main Results:
- A polypeptide P15.5 (approx. 15,500 MW) was isolated from both HBeAg and HBV nucleocapsid, showing similar amino acid composition.
- The C-terminus of P15.5 and the HBV nucleopeptide gene sequence (-Thr-Thr-Val-Val) were determined.
- P15.5 preparations bound to monoclonal anti-HBcAg antibodies and human IgG with anti-HBcAg specificity.
Conclusions:
- The polypeptide P15.5 associated with IgG in HBV-infected serum likely represents antibodies against HBcAg with restricted specificity.
- These findings contribute to understanding the antigenic structure of HBV and host immune responses.